This is so great to just have on hand. Add it to pasta, spread it on bread, dip a cracker in it, whatever you want!

I also love changing it up by using different kinds of nuts.Pine nuts are the traditional choice, but pesto is also lovely with almonds. Using pecans adds a sweet maple flavor. Yum! It should keep for a couple weeks in the refrigerator.

All nuts should be toasted before they are added to any recipe because toasting brings the oils and natural flavors to the surface.

Ingredients

3/4 cup pine nuts

8 large bunches of fresh basil

7 peeled garlic cloves

3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Makes about 2 cups

Total Prep Time: 15 minutes

Toast the nuts in a 375 degree oven on a baking sheet or in a small saute pan on the stove over medium-high heat. The nuts are done when they are very aromatic and golden brown, after about four minutes. Stay with them, though, because they can go from perfect to burnt quickly!

In a food processor, with the blade attachment, puree the basil leaves with the nuts, garlic, and cheese. Once everything is smooth, gradually blend in the olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Valentina's passion is food, and she loves spending time in her "kitchen retreat," as she refers to that room in her house. Valentina develops recipes for creative and comforting food that works perfectly for casual entertaining. Both her recipes and food photography have been featured many times on popular food websites and in print. Valentina shares her beautiful photographs as well as new and interesting recipes almost daily on her blog, Cooking on the Weekends.

Outside the worlds of food and photography, Valentina's other passion is her family (including her two young boys, her husband and her puppy, Maple.)

To learn more about Valentina and where her work has been featured, visit her About page at Cooking On The Weekends.